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Although several details of the photosensitization mechanisms involved in the photosensitized inactivation of bacteria have been elucidated, there are relatively few data on the morphological alterations induced on the bacterial cell structure during photosensitization. In this work we analysed the photodynamic action of the tetra-cationic photosensitizer tetrakis(N-ethylpyridinium-4-yl)porphyrin tetratosylate (TN-Et-PyP) on the integrity and selected functions of E. coli KMY1 cell membranes, in an effort to combine electron microscopy data with enzymatic assays and electrochemistry measurements. Using low concentrations of photosensitizer, damage is inflicted to the outer membrane and results in a higher permeability of the membrane to fairly small molecules such as deoxycholate; however, larger molecules such as periplasmic alkaline phosphatase are not released or are released after their extensive inactivation, as we could not register any enzyme activity outside the cells. Increasing the TN-Et-PyP concentration correlates with the inactivation of the respiratory chain, drop in plasma membrane voltage, the release of compounds with absorption band at 260 nm, and a decrease in intracellular enzyme ß-galactosidase activity, though this activity has not been noticed to increase outside the cells, suggesting that enzyme inactivation probably occurs in inner cell districts.

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The aim of the present investigation was to immobilize zinc phthalocyanines in a silicate matrix and to test the photobactericidal properties of the matrices so prepared toward Esherichia coli in model aqueous media. For the purpose, tetra tertiary butyl zinc phthalocyanine (TBZnPc) and zinc phthalocyanine tetrasulfonic acid (ZnPcTS) were used. The abilities of these two photosensitizers to generate singlet oxygen in solution were compared by following the rate of photobleaching of 1,3-diphenylisobenzofuran (DPBF) at 430 nm in dimethylformamide (DMF). The results of this study show clearly that, under the conditions used here, the TBZnPc is the more effective generator of singlet oxygen; with it the DPBF was virtually completely photobleached in 4 min, while with the ZnPcTS under the same conditions, it took 12 min to reach this point. Glass conjugates with the two phthalocyanines were obtained by the sol-gel technique and were characterized by a well-defined color due to the phthalocyanine incorporated in the silicate matrix. Glasses with an intense, but inhomogeneous, green color were obtained when the tetrasulfonic derivative of the zinc phthalocyanine was used, while blue glasses of evenly distributed coloration were formed from the tetra tertiary butyl derivative. The ZnPcTS conjugate demonstrates more effective singlet oxygen evolution than is the case with the TBZnPc conjugate. These results are the opposite of those obtained for the free phthalocyanines in solution. The structural formulae of the compounds show that TBZnPc has a more pronounced hydrophobic character than the sulfonic derivative. In our view, the relative reactivities of the conjugates can be explained by the tetrasulfonic derivative being situated mainly in the surface parts of the glass matrix where the hydrophilic character is prevailing, while the tertiary butyl derivative is mainly present in the internal parts of the matrix as a result of which it is less accessible and therefore less active. The results obtained on the effect of zinc phthalocyanine conjugates on E. coli show a trend similar to that observed with singlet oxygen evolution shown. Thus, for the ZnPcTS conjugate, the log kill is 1.32 and for the TBZnPc conjugate, it is 0.98, in each case after 120 min. The results obtained show that phthalocyanines can be immobilized successfully in a silicate matrix and used for photodisinfection of microbially polluted waters. The silicate matrix has some advantages in comparison with other organic matrices. It is insoluble in water, resistant towards microorganisms, easy to fabricate, and might be developed successfully for the photodisinfection of water, e.g., in swimming pools and in other open water reservoirs.

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We have designed experiments to test the idea that the photodynamic effect can be used to lower microbial levels in a flow of water using a sensitizer incorporated into a polymeric membrane. We have selected a naturally derived, wettable polymer, chitosan, which can be reinforced with nylon. Photosensitizers of singlet oxygen formation were incorporated into translucent chitosan membranes by adsorption [5,10,15,20-tetrakis(p-hydroxyphenyl)porphyrin, p-THPP], by dissolution and casting [5,10,15,20-tetrakis(p-aminophenyl)porphyrin, p-TAPP], and by covalent attachment by reactive dyeing [zinc(II) phthalocyanine tetrasulfonic acid, ZnPcS]. Preliminary evaluation of photomicrobicidal activity in static systems against Escherichia coli revealed some activity in each case, and showed that the phthalocyanine/chitosan membrane was the most effective. A novel photodisinfection reactor was designed and constructed as a model for a large-scale water-flow system. Using the novel reinforced ZnPcS/chitosan membrane as the photosensitizing surface, a significant photokill of E. coli was observed, thus providing proof of concept.

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The title compound {alternative names: 11-methyl-2,3-benzopyrromethenone and 3-[(1-methylpyrrol-2-yl)methylidene]-2,3-dihydro-1H-isoindol-1-one}, C(14)H(12)N(2)O, was prepared by the base-catalysed condensation of phthalimidine with 2-formyl-1-methylpyrrole; yellow orthorhombic crystals, space group Pbca, were obtained from ethanol. The molecule is almost planar, having Z(-)antiperiplanar geometry. The molecules are arranged in pairs with intermolecular hydrogen bonding between lactam functions. Comparison with literature values for polyalkyldipyrrin-1-ones shows that, apart from the local constraints of the benzene ring, the fused benzo ring has little effect on the molecular dimensions of the dipyrrin-1-one skeleton.

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In the present study we have checked whether photodynamic therapy (PDT) may influence concentration of basic Fibroblast Growth Factor (bFGF) in in vivo conditions. We have implanted malignant tumor, i.e. BFS1 fibrosarcoma into BALB/c mice and have them treated using well established photosensitizer, hematoporphyrin derivative and new compound, hydroxygallium (III) phthalocyanine tetrasulfonic acid tetrasodium salt, BON-6. The administration of those compounds was followed by light irradiation using a halogen lamp at proper wavelengths. Our results indicate that in vivo photodynamic therapy may cause a significant decrease in bFGF concentration and this phenomenon is accompanied by prolongation of survival of treated animals.

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Photophysical parameters relevant to photodynamic therapy have been studied for a novel lipophilic opp-dibenzoporphyrin (DBP), 2,12-diethyl-3,13-dimethyldibenzo[g,q]porphyrin, in N,N-dimethylformamide and TX-100 micelles. The structure of DBP is intermediate between a porphyrin and a phthalocyanine and is associated with higher molar extinction coefficients in the red Q-bands than those found in the haematoporphyrin derivative currently used for photodynamic therapy. The ultrafast measurements on DBP in DMF revealed a fast (ps) lifetime for the second excited singlet state. Observed lifetimes of the first excited singlet state were found to be similar in DMF and TX-100 (12.2 and 14.7 ns), but excited triplet lifetimes were different in the two solvents (0.46 and 2.86 micros). The fluorescent quantum yields of DBP in DMF and TX-100 were twice that of free-base tetraphenylporphyrin and the singlet oxygen quantum yield in DMF and TX-100 was high (0.56-0.65). The combination of stable chemical structure, stronger red-absorption, high singlet oxygen quantum yields, and high fluorescent quantum yields suggests that DBP is an potential chromophore for applications in photodynamic therapy.

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MATERIAL/METHODS: We implanted a malignant tumour, BFS1 fibrosarcoma, into BALB/c mice and then treated them using a new photosensitizer, hydroxygallium (III) phthalocyanine tetrasulfonic acid tetrasodium salt, BON-6. The administration of this compound was followed by light irradiation using a halogen lamp at 680 nm. VEGF concentrations were measured in sera from the mice and compared to the time of tumor growth. RESULTS: BON-6 was found to be effective in PDT. This feature was accompanied by low levels of VEGF after BON-6+PDT, and also prolongation of the time of survival of treated animals. The mice which received BON-6+PDT survived 83.8 days (SD 10.23). The mean survival time in control groups did not exceed 35 days. Additionally, measurement of tumor size showed total regression in single cases after BON-6+PDT. CONCLUSIONS: PDT, by decreasing VEGF serum levels, may influence the capability of tumor tissue to form new vessels.

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[reaction: see text] 5,10,15,20-Tetrakis(m-hydroxyphenyl)porphyrin (m-THPP) yielded novel quinonoid porphyrins upon irradiation in aqueous methanol. True photobleaching was observed for 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(m-hydroxyphenyl)chlorin (m-THPC) and 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(m-hydroxyphenyl)bacteriochlorin (m-THPBC) under the same conditions; several fragmentation products (imides, methyl p-hydroxybenzoate, dipyrrin derivatives) were recognized.